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55th Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré - 2.HC
France, June 8-15, 2003
Photography
Lance Armstrong's press conference: June 8
Prologue - June 8: Villard-de-Lans ITT, 5.1 km
Stage 1 - June 9: Meaudre - Vaison-la-Romaine, 198 km
Stage 2 - June 10: Bollène - Vienne, 195 km
Stage 3 - June 11: Saint-Paul-en-Jarez - Saint-Heand ITT, 33,4
km
Stage 4 - June 12: Vienne - Morzine, 237 km
Stage 5 - June 13: Morzine - Chambéry, 192 km
Stage 6 - June 14: Challes-les-Eaux - Briançon, 153 km
Stage 7 - June 15: Briançon - Grenoble, 174 km
Lance Armstrong's press conference: June 8
Images by Jeff Tse/www.jefftse.com/cycling
- Lance Armstrong was cautiously optimistic about his chances in the Dauphine Libere
- Lance Armstrong answers questions about the recent death of French professional cyclist Fabrice Salanson
- Lance Armstrong commenting that the suspicion of doping situation is a never ending part of the sport
Prologue - June 8: Villard-de-Lans ITT, 5.1 km
Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com
- Iban Mayo's choice for the day a standard Orbea road frame
- David Millar's (Cofidis) low profile time trial machine
- Lance Armstrong's slightly modified road bike
- Philippe Gilbert (l) and Brad McGee (FDJeux) warm up before their rides
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) proved once again he can climb and time trial
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) gets the lowdown on the prologue course from Floyd Landis
- David Millar (Cofidis) warms up with a little mood music
- Last man to go Armstrong's name plate waits for the team car
- Lance Armstrong seeks a final word of wisdom from Johan Bruyneel before the start
Images by Jeff Tse/www.jefftse.com/cycling
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) powering up the difficult climb in the prologue time trial
- David Millar (Cofidis) provided another superb performance in his speciality
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) once again ready for the Tour de France with a strong performance in the opening prologue
- A quiet season for Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) did not mean he wasn't training. Levi finished an impressive 6th
- Bradley McGee (FDJ) stormed to an impressive 7th place behind other Tour de France favourites
- Although placed not in the top 10 Baden Cooke (FDJ) will be aiming for sprint stages this week
- Tyler Hamilton (CSC) is a man to watch this week at the Dauphine Libere
Images by Russell Standring/grenoblecycling.free.fr
- The famous cycling photographer Graham Watson.
- Quick Step-Davitamon rider Tom Boonen gets ready for the prologue (and the camera).
- Manuel Beltran (US Postal) warms up for the 5.1 kilometre prologue.
- The US Postal team area is always popular with the fans.
- Prologue specialist David Millar (Cofidis) finished second today behind Mayo.
- The first kilometre of the prologue took the riders through the narrow streets of Villard de Lans.
- A pigeon's eye view of Villard de Lans.
- The flying Dutchman Michael Boogerd shows his pearly whites as he grimaces along a false flat.
- Frenchman David Moncoutie (Cofidis) in full flight.
- Racing took place against the stunning backdrop of the Vercors mountain range.
- Kurt Van de Wouwer (Quick.Step-Davitamon) rides against the backdrop of the Vercors.
- Already finished, Viatcheslav Ekimov (US Postal) is happy to watch the riders from the roadside
- CSC rider Carlos Sastre has no time to stop for a quick nap at the hotel.
- Credit Agricole rider Thor Hushovd finished some way behind the leaders in 67th place.
- Floyd Landis (US Postal) looks like he's just got out of bed, but is in fact on his way back to the hotel.
- 2000 Dauphine Libere winner Tyler Hamilton (CSC) finished in 36th place.
- Lance Armstrong (US Postal) storms through Villard de Lans in an effort to defend his 2002 Dauphine Libere title.
Stage 1 - June 9: Meaudre - Vaison-la-Romaine, 198 km
Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews.com
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) shows off his yellow jersey, and picks up another trophy before stage 1
- Ag2R's Andy Flickinger had one very vocal supporter
- Tyler Hamilton (CSC) was all smiles before stage 1
- David Millar (R) pulls from thin air an explanation on his second place prologue ride
- Temperatures over 30 degrees prompted the peloton to play it 'piano' on the first climb
Images by Jeff Tse/www.jefftse.com/cycling
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) looking pensive at the start.
- The introduction of the Postal team on a hot morning
- Lance was in a casual mode at the lower profile Dauphine Libere race
- A better view of the new Dura Ace shifters. Now in 10 speeds
- Lance's new rig Floats like a butterfly. Stings like a bee
- Levi Lephemier (Rabobank) confident at the start after an impressive 6th place in the prologue
- Bradley McGee (FDJeux.com) at the start
- Tyler Hamilton (CSC) riding near the front all day.
- The Dauphine Libere peloton going through the vineyards of Provence, not far from Mont Ventoux.
- The peloton wound its way through many similar small towns in the Rhône Alpes region.
- The blue train already at work in the Dauphine Libere
- Lance Armstrong eyeing the top of the climb
- Lance Armstrong was riding in front for most of the day
- Viatcheslav Ekimov (USPS) leading an attack in the last 30 kilometers of the race today
- BigMat's Plamen Stoianov triumphs in stage 1 in Vaison-la-Romaine
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) done with another day's work
Stage 2 - June 10: Bollène - Vienne, 195 km
Images by Jeff Tse/www.jefftse.com/cycling
- Tyler Hamilton attentive on a calm day before the big time trial tomorrow
- Benoit Vaugrenard leading a bunch of riders to the front of the peloton
- Levi Leipheimer sat very comfortably in the bunch today
- The peloton winding through small towns in the Rhone region of France
- Lance Armstrong kept at the front of the field most of the day
- Lance Armstrong riding strongly and ready for the time trial tomorrow
- The Postal boys at work
- All smiles today
- Bradley McGee looking happy to be in green
- David Moncoutie does some work of a domestique
- Edaleine and Hary saw their long attack end in the final 10km of the stage
- Mysterious red flowers blooming in the hot sun in France
- A strung out peloton on another hot day.
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) won in a photo finish
- Thor Hushovd gets the win
- Thor Hushovd on the podium
Images by Franck Fife / AFP
- The Euskaltel-Euskadi boys ride at the head of the peloton to control the race for their teammate and race leader Iban Mayo.
- The early break of Maryan Hary (Brioches La Boulangère) and Christophe Edaleine (Jean Delatour) reached a maximum lead of seven and a half minutes before the steady pressure from Euskaltel eventually wore the two escapees down.
- Lance Armstrong (US Postal) rides in the wake of race leader Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) on the road to Vienne.
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) smiles on the podium as he continues his reign on the Dauphiné Libéré.
Stage 3 - June 11: Saint-Paul-en-Jarez - Saint-Heand ITT, 33,4 km
Images by Jeff Tse/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com
- The lungs of Lance Armstrong were working very well during today's 33.4 km time trial, which he won by 1'07 from David Millar (Cofidis)
- Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) about to catch his 3 minute man after only 18 km
- The face of intensity - Lance Armstrong during the third stage time trial
- Armstrong goes all out with 4 km to go in the third stage time trial
- Lance Armstrong firing on all 16 cylinders
- Number 1 is at it again driving hard on the tarmac
- David Millar (Cofidis) looking behind to check his time against Lance's
- Carlos Sastre (CSC) rode into a solid eighth place
- Dmitri Fofonov of Cofidis during the time trial
- Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) with the new Look KG 486
- Jerome Pineau (La Boulangere) taking off at the start
- Tyler Hamilton (CSC) nearing the top of the second climb in today's difficult time trial
- Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) powering around a hairpin
- Bradley McGee (FDJeux.com) exhausted from the full effort
- Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com) - the bandages show the extent of the injuries from a crash in stage 1
- Manuel Beltran - US Postal's latest addition
- Jose Luis Rubiera in the new Postal skinsuit
- Viatchslav Ekimov (US Postal) didn't have one of his better days, finishing 46th
- Christophe Oriol (Ag2r) gutting out the tough course today
- The latest carbon machine from Timesport
- Lance Armstrong celebrating his win with the late Andrei Kivilev's wife Natalia and their baby Leonard
- Lance Armstrong with Leonard Kivilev, the son of the late Andrei Kivilev
- Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor) is now comfortably in yellow
- Lance Armstrong answered his critics who doubted him in April.
Images by AFP
- Lance Armstrong on the podium with the late Andrei Kivilev's wife Natalia and baby Leonard
- Armstrong gives Natalia a kiss on the cheek
Stage 4 - June 12: Vienne - Morzine, 237 km
Images by Jeff Tse/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com
- Lance Armstrong was rushed to the sign in with the usual frenzy.
- David Millar contemplating the stage today.
- Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) is still one of the crowd favourites.
- Christophe Moreau (Credit Agricole) checking out yesterday's article about the time trial.
- The peloton starting to climb the first col of today's 237 kilometre stage.
- Going back to the team car for water, all in a day's work.
- The early attack by Poilvet and Oriol was out most of the day until the bottom of the Category 1 Col de la Ramaz.
- Christophe Moreau launched one of the early attacks on the big climb of the day, but was caught well before the top by Armstrong, Mayo and Mancebo.
- Lance Armstrong gives everything to match Mayo's attacks.
- The duel of the day was between former yellow jersey Iban Mayo and current leader Lance Armstrong on the Col de la Ramaz. Mayo eventually won the stage.
- The face of intensity on the Col de la Ramaz
- Lance Armstrong (USPS-Berry Floor)
Images by AFP
- Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton chat during the stage
- Benoit Poilvet and Christophe Oriol feel the heat
- A nun watches as the peloton flies past
- Armstrong sits and waits to make his move
- Lance gives Christophe Moreau one of "those" looks
- The pace heats up…
- … and Mayo makes his move
- Lance chases, but will it be enough?
- Armstrong is putting his Trek to the test…
- … but it isn't enough, Mayo takes the win
- Lance still keeps the leaders jersey
- Iban Mayo celebrates his win
Images by Russell Standring/grenoblecycling.free.fr
- The French (and housewives') favourite, Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon).
- Laurent Brochard (AG2r Prévoyance) arrives in Vienne for the stage to Morzine.
- At the start in Vienne, Floyd Landis (US Postal) was feeling good and looking forward to the stage.
- Good thing Lance doesn't have claustrophobia.
- The most prized autograph in Vienne.
- David Moncoutie (Cofidis) looking a little hesitant in Vienne.
- Christophe Edaleine (Jean Delatour) proudly wears the King of the Mountains jersey.
- Time to change into the work boots.
- Francisco Mancebo (iBanesto.com) contemplates the day's stage.
- The voice of the Tour de France, Daniel Mangeas, introduces the riders at the start village in Vienne.
- CSC leader Tyler Hamilton often a happy chappy.
- Lance Armstrong (US Postal) is led through the crowd by his personal bodyguard.
- The breakaway containing Christophe Oriol (AG2R) and Benoît Poilvet (Crédit Agricole) established a three minute lead over the peloton on the third category Mont des Princes.
- On the final climb of the day, the Col de la Ramaz, Christophe Oriol (AG2R) and Benoît Poilvet (Crédit Agricole) were still away, but only by a handful of seconds.
- The US Postal train drive the peloton at the foot of the Col de la Ramaz.
- The view towards the top of the Col de la Ramaz.
- Surrounded by his teammates, Lance Armstrong was in perfect control at the foot of the Col de la Ramaz.
- Francisco Mancebo (iBanesto.com) was leading the race over the top of the climb at the ski resort of Les Gets, but was caught on the descent into Morzine.
- Lance Armstrong digs deep to chase the lone leader of Francisco Mancebo (iBanesto.com), with Iban Mayo tucked behind him.
- The chasing group containing David Millar (Cofidis) and Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) finished over a minute behind the group containing Armstrong, Mayo and Mancebo.
Stage 5 - June 13: Morzine - Chambéry, 192 km
Images by Jeff Tse/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com
- Second place in the overall GC Iban Mayo ready for the start.
- The fifth stage started with a long descent
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) had to work to rejoin the bunch after his crash
- After his crash Lance Armstrong was brought back to the main bunch by his team
- An hour after the crash Armstrong was bandaged up and ready to go.
- David Millar (Cofidis) still a contender for the overall, stayed attentive to the leaders
- Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) the winner of a stage several days ago riding comfortably in the pack.
- The peloton descending the Col de Tamie
- The eight man breakway group that stayed away from the bunch for the entire day
- The US Postal team controlling the peloton behind the break
- The main field going through the valley before the Côte du Pas de la Fosse during stage 5
- Andrea Peron (CSC) labouring up the last climb before the descent down to Chambery
- Laurent Lefevre (Jean Delatour) triumphs in the fifth stage of the Dauphine Libere
- Millar, Armstrong, and Mayo sprinted home together right behind the leading six.
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) still in yellow, albeit with some pain
Images by AFP Photo
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) shows the race doctor his bloodied elbow after coming off at high speed at the start of stage 5
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) gets treated by the race doctor for his injured elbow
- Denis Menchov (L, iBanesto) and Laurent Lefevre (R, Jean Delatour) during stage 5
- The peloton enjoyed some spectacular scenery during stage 5 between Morzine and Chambery
- A bandaged Lance Armstrong rides in front of David Millar and Christophe Moreau during stage 5
Images by Russell Standring/grenoblecycling.free.fr
- Andrey Kashechkin (Quick.Step-Davitamon) and Denis Menchov (Rus) iBanesto.com lead the stage by a few metres on the steep gradients of the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
- Pierrick Fedrigo (Crédit Agricole) trails the two leaders by a few seconds. Fedrigo would finish second on the stage.
- The stage winner Laurent Lefevre (Jean Delatour) on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel-Euskadi) checks the gap behind and leads Lance Armstrong (USPS) with 300 metres to ride to the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) rides with Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) and shows the results of his earlier crash
- Alexandre Botcharov (AG2r Prévoyance) on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
- Dutchman Michael Boogerd of the Rabobank team on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse above Chambery
- The laughing group the final large group of riders in the race stick together on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
- Tour de France stage winner Estonian Jaan Kirsupuu (AG2r Prévoyance) is happy to watch his teammates race on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse while he watches from the verge
- Tour de France rider Lauri Aus (AG2r Prévoyance) watches the racing on the Cote du Pas de la Fosse
Stage 6 - June 14: Challes-les-Eaux - Briançon, 153 km
Images by Jeff Tse/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com
- Lance Armstrong and David Millar side by side during stage 6
- Lance Armstrong keeps a close eye on Iban Mayo during stage 6
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) and Lance Armstrong were duelling again during stage 6
- The attack that took off at kilometer 0 nearing the top of the Col du Telegraphe.
- The lead peloton winding its way up the Col du Galibier
- The peloton nears the top of the Galibier
- The remains of the peloton makes its way up the last kilometres of the Galibier.
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) attacked on the Galibier to try to gain time on Lance Armstrong.
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) looks behind to see how much damage he's done
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) screaming down the Galibier.
- Christophe Moreau and Levi Leipheimer lead a chase to catch the leaders over the Galibier.
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) going all out in pursuit of Mayo and leaving a trail of followers in pain.
- All eyes are on Armstrong even though Mercado has long descended the Galibier.
- Lance Armstrong gives chase to Iban Mayo
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) was finally caught on the descent down the Galibier
- Juan Miguel Mercado (iBanesto) gives it full gas during his solo breakaway
- Juan Miguel Mercado (iBanesto) was the winner of the sixth stage
Images by AFP
- Early breakaway Sylvain Chavanel cools himself with water
- The US Postal team work hard during stage 6
- Lance Armstrong in the bunch on the Galibier
- Christophe Moreau (CA) attacks on the Galibier
- Lance Armstrong followed by Francisco Mancebo on the Galibier
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) rides away from Lance Armstrong (USPS) on the Col du Galibier
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) rides on his own after attacking Armstrong's group on the Galibier
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) had to descend fast off the Galibier to catch Mayo
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) leads Lance Armstrong and Juan Miguel Mercado during stage 6
Images by Russell Standring/grenoblecycling.free.fr
- The main contenders catch the break on the Col du Galibier
- Views of the Col du Galibier and Juan Miguel Mercado (Ibanesto.com) as he leads the race
- Juan Miguel Mercado (Ibanesto.com) leads the race on the 2645 metre Col du Galibier
- Ludovic Turpin (Ag2R) chases the attack of Juan Miguel Mercado (Ibanesto.com)
- Six kilometres of climbing to the Col du Galibier with Lance Armstrong watching the wheel of Iban Mayo
- Views of the Ecrins massif when descending to the Col du Lautaret and Briancon
- David Millar fights to stay with Armstrong and Mayo
- The French National Champion, Nicolas Vogondy (FDJeux.com) on the Col du Galibier
- A lone Cofidis rider has six kilometres to climb of the 2645 metre Col du Galibier
- Médéric Clain (Cofidis) and Franck Renier (Brioches La Boulangère) ride together on the Col du Galibier
Stage 7 - June 15: Briançon - Grenoble, 174 km
Images by Jeff Tse/jeffreytse1@yahoo.com
- Cedric Vassur powering away for his win after a dare devil descent into Grenoble.
- Armstrong was glued to Mayo's wheel despite Mayo's persistent attacks.
- Armstrong looking focused.
- Iban Mayo tried to repeat what he did yesterday but Armstrong was always not more than 10 feet bahind.
- Iban Mayo still happy with his second place.
- It was a chess match between Armstrong and Mayo on the Col de Coq.
- Mayo's attacks were incessant.
- An early attack on the Category 1 climb by Rabobank. Perhaps it was a setup for Levi Leipheimer.
- Carlos Sastre attacked near the bottom of the Col de Coq after the abandonment of team leader Tyler Hamilton.
- The peloton is near the top of the Col du Lautaret
- Mercado tries his luck again after his win at Briancon yesterday.
- The beginning of the descent from the Col du Lautaret
Images by AFP Photo
- With a spectactular Alpine backdrop the riders in the Dauphine Libere tackled the final stage
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) and Lance Armstrong (USPS) during the final stage to Grenoble
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) and Lance Armstrong watched each other like hawks all day
- David Millar (Cofidis) checks out the leading bunch
- David Millar (Cofidis) in the blue combination jersey, leads Iban Mayo and Lance Armstrong during the final stage
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) leads Lance Armstrong, Christophe Moreau and Juan Miguel Mercado
- Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) wasn't afraid to push the pace again
- Cedric Vasseur (Cofidis) during his solo break to the finish
- Cedric Vasseur (Cofidis) crossed the line in Grenoble as the winner of the last stage
- Cedric Vasseur (Cofidis) gets a kiss on the podium as the winner of the final stage
- The final podium (L to R): David Millar (Cofidis, 3rd), Lance Armstrong (USPS, 1st) and Iban Mayo (Euskaltel, 2nd)
- For the second year in a row Lance Armstrong won the Dauphine Libere
- The winner of the Dauphine Libere, Lance Armstrong (R) congratulates second place getter Iban Mayo on a fine, fighting performance
Images by Russell Standring/grenoblecycling.free.fr
- A back group stays together on the 1434 metre Col du Coq
- Bram Tankink (Quick.Step-Davitamon) rides alone on the Col du Coq
- Lance Armstrong (USPS) watches the wheel of Iban Mayo
- David Millar (Cofidis) rides ahead of Amstrong and Mayo with six kilometres to climb on the 1434 metre Col du Coq
- Christophe Moreau (Crédit Agricole) Remmert Wielinga (Rabobank) and Juan Miguel Mercado (iBanesto.com) ride together on the Col du Coq
- The peloton splinters and riders find themselves alone on the Col du Coq
- Christophe Edaleine (Jean Delatour) and Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis) ride beneath the 2062 metre Dent de Crolles while leading the race. Vasseur would win the day's stage to Grenoble.
